Medical instrument and associated method

ABSTRACT

A medical instrument includes a handle, a trocar in communication with the handle, and a cannula in communication with the trocar and the handle. The cannula is engaged (locked) with the handle when linearly displaced proximally towards the handle and, the cannula is disengaged (unlocked) from the handle when linearly displaced distally away from the handle. The cannula is linearly reciprocated, between the locked position and the unlocked position, along a linear travel path defined parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trocar such that the cannula is prohibited and permitted to articulate about the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and relative to the handle, respectively. Advantageously, the cannula is locked and unlocked from the trocar by without requiring an external force exerted generally transverse to trocar and/or cannula, thereby permitting a user to lock/unlock the cannula, relative to the trocar, with one hand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/266,980,filed Feb. 4, 2019, which is in turn a divisional application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/938,619, filed Nov. 11, 2015, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTDISCLOSURE Technical Field

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to smalltrocars and, more particularly, to a low profile, small cannula systememploying fewer components, an ergonomic locking mechanism, cannularetention features, and a low profile multi-grip handle for reducingmanufacturing costs, minimizing undesirable movement during surgery, andfacilitating desired manipulation of the cannula system.

PRIOR ART

Surgical access systems such as low profile, small cannula systemsfacilitate minimally invasive surgery across a body wall and within abody cavity. With such low profile, small cannulae systems, the diameterof the cannula is typically less than approximately 5 mm. For example,in abdominal surgery, small cannulae provide a working channel acrossthe abdominal wall to facilitate the use of instruments within theabdominal cavity. Low profile cannulae systems typically include asmall-diameter cannula, which provides the working channel, and a lowprofile trocar that is used to place the cannula across a body wall,such as the abdominal wall. As an example, the trocar is inserted intothe working channel of the cannula and pushed through the body wall witha penetration force of sufficient magnitude to result in penetration ofthe body wall.

Unfortunately, conventional low profile, small cannula systems sufferfrom high costs because the precision and desired features often requirenine to fourteen components, thereby driving up manufacturing costs. Forexample, a locking mechanism is employed to secure the trocar to thecannulae for preventing undesirable rotation and translation of thetrocar relative to the cannula. Conventional locking mechanisms requiretwo hands to unlock the trocar from the cannula. For example, a firstexternal force generally transverse to the trocar length is exerted atthe locking mechanism, while a second external force parallel to thecannula length urges the cannula away from the trocar. Such simultaneousfirst and second external forces are cumbersome for the practitioner.

Additionally, low profile, small cannula systems are often used duringpediatric cases, where the abdominal walls are not as fully formed as anormal adult patient. The outer surface of the cannula associated with atrocar is generally smooth. The smoothness of a cannula surface makesplacement of the cannula through a body wall relatively easy and safe.However, a smooth cannula may not have the desired retentioncharacteristics once the cannula has been placed through a body wall.This smoothness and ease of placement may present problems asinstruments and specimens are removed from a body cavity through thecannula and the associated seal systems of the trocar. It is highlydesirable for a cannula to remain fixed in an appropriate position onceplaced.

Conventional cannulae systems also often include an obtrusive valveand/or insufflation port valve. Such valves and/or ports are generallyintegrated with the cannula housing positioned at the proximal end ofthe cannula. The valves and/or ports are positioned in communicationwith the cannula and/or trocar for selectively controlling the passageof an insufflation fluid, e.g. carbon dioxide, through flexible tubinginto a portion of the cannula and/or trocar. However, current valvesand/or ports are positioned in a manner that obstructs use and/ormanipulation of the cannula system (e.g., handle grip), especially whentwo or more cannula systems are employed adjacent to and/or in contactwith other. Obstruction based upon the positioning of valves and/orports on a cannula system often causes a doctor to place his or herhands in a compromised or undesirable position. In addition, currentvalves and/or ports are prone to accidental manipulation duringprocedures. Accidental manipulation is a common occurrence that resultsin desufflation of the body cavity and can lead to frustrating and evendangerous situations as the medical professional's field of view iscompromised.

Accordingly, a need remains for a low profile, small cannula system inorder to overcome at least one aforementioned shortcoming. The exemplaryembodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing a low profile, smallcannula system employing fewer components, an ergonomic lockingmechanism, cannula retention features, and a low profile multi-griphandle that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable indesign, versatile in its applications, and designed for reducingmanufacturing costs, minimizing undesirable movement during surgery, andfacilitating desired manipulation of the cannula system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTDISCLOSURE

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a low profile, smallcannula system employing fewer components, an ergonomic lockingmechanism, cannula retention features, and a low profile multi-griphandle for reducing manufacturing costs, minimizing undesirable movementduring surgery, and facilitating desired manipulation of the cannulasystem. These and other objects, features, and advantages of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a medicalinstrument for use during a medical procedure. Such a medical instrumentincludes a handle, a trocar in static communication with the handle, anda cannula in dynamic communication with the trocar and the handle.Notably, the cannula is engaged with the handle when linearly displacedproximally towards the handle and, conversely, the cannula is disengagedfrom the handle when linearly displaced distally away from the handle.

Advantageously, the cannula is at a locked position when linearlyengaged with the handle and the cannula is at an unlocked position whenlinearly disengaged from the handle. In this manner, the cannula islinearly reciprocated, between the locked position and the unlockedposition, along a linear travel path defined parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the trocar such that the cannula is prohibited and permitted toarticulate about the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and relative tothe handle, respectively. Advantageously, the cannula is locked andunlocked from the trocar by without requiring an external force exertedgenerally transverse to trocar and/or cannula—thereby permitting a userto lock/unlock the cannula, relative to the trocar, with one hand.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the handle includes a distal endincluding a first locking flange having a first male member extendingtowards the linear travel path, and a second locking flange having asecond male member spaced from the first male member and extendingtowards the linear travel path. Notably, the cannula is engaged anddisengaged from each of the first male member and the second male memberas the cannula is linearly reciprocated along the linear travel pathtowards and away from the distal end of the handle, respectively. Again,no second external force generally transverse to the trocar and/orcannula is needed to lock/unlock the cannula. The user can perform suchlocking/unlocking functions with merely one hand.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the cannula is caused tosimultaneously engage and disengage each of the first male member andthe second male member when the cannula is linearly displaced betweenthe locked position and the unlocked position, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the cannula includes a proximalend including a perimeter outer wall having a first female member and asecond female member spaced therefrom. Such first female member andsecond female member are aligned with the first male member and thesecond male member, respectively, when the proximal end of the cannulais linearly introduced, along the longitudinal axis, into the distal endof the handle. In this manner, the first male member and the second malemember are operably received and retained within the first female memberand the second female member, respectively, as the proximal end of thecannula is linearly intercalated between the first locking flange andthe second locking flange.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the first locking flangeand the second locking flange is caused to resiliently articulate alongmutually exclusive arcuate paths, respectively, away from and towardsthe linear travel path as the cannula is linearly reciprocated betweenthe locked position and the unlocked position, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the handle further includes aninner wall extending from the first male member to the second malemember, and at least one rib intermediately disposed between the firstmale member and the second male member. The at least one rib isstatically engaged with the inner wall of the trocar. Notably, thecannula further includes at least one mating slot selectively engagedand disengaged with the at least one rib when the cannula is linearlyreciprocated, along the linear travel path, between the locked positionand the unlocked position.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one rib is linearlyinserted and retracted from the at least one mating slot so that thecannula is prohibited and permitted to rotating about the longitudinalaxis of the trocar, and relative to the handle, when the cannula isregistered at the locked position and the unlocked position,respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the proximal end of the cannulahas a proximal wall linearly engaged and disengaged from the inner wallof the handle when cannula is linearly reciprocated, along thelongitudinal axis, between the locked position and the unlockedposition, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first malemember and the second male member includes a first engaging edge and afirst disengaging edge. Furthermore, at least one of the first femalemember and the second female member includes a second engaging edge anda second disengaging edge. In this manner, when the at least one of thefirst male member and the second male member is seated within acorresponding one of the first female member and the second femalemember, the first disengaging edge lays substantially parallel to thesecond disengaging edge and thereby maintains frictional contacttherewith while the first engaging edge lays non-parallel to the secondengaging edge.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least one of the handle andthe cannula includes an insufflation port for introducing gas along thelinear travel path.

The present disclosure further includes a method for utilizing a medicalinstrument during a medical procedure. Such a method includes the stepsof: providing a handle; providing a trocar in static communication withthe handle; providing and dynamically communicating a cannula with thetrocar and the handle; linearly engaging the cannula, at a lockedposition, with the handle by linearly displacing the cannula proximallytowards the handle; linearly disengaging the cannula, to an unlockedposition, from the handle by linearly displacing the cannula distallyaway from the handle; and prohibiting and permitting the cannula toarticulate about the longitudinal axis of the trocar, and relative tothe handle, respectively, by linearly reciprocating the cannula, betweenthe locked position and the unlocked position, along a linear travelpath defined parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trocar.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentdisclosure so that the following detailed description may be betterunderstood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) maybe better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be describedhereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claimsappended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a medical instrument (low profile,small cannula system), in accordance with a non-limiting exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the medical instrument illustrated in FIG.1 ;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of cannula illustrated in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cannula illustrated in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the medical instrument illustratedin FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of section 6A identified in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of section 6B identified in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the medical instrument wherein thecannula is disengaged (unlocked) from the trocar;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of section 8A identified in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the medical instrument handled viaa vertical pinch grip;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the medical instrument handled viaa horizontal pinch grip;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the medical instrument handled viaa syringe grip;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the medical instrument handled viaa palm grip;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cluster (e.g., side-by-side) of threemedical instruments located at an exemplary environment;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another cluster (e.g., side-by-side) ofthree medical instruments located at an exemplary environment;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged top plan view of the cluster (e.g., side-by-side)of three medical instruments illustrated in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view illustrating another non-limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, wherein an insufflation port isemployed at the cannula;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the trocar, handle and insufflation lockillustrated in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the handle, trocar and insufflation lockillustrated in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18 ;and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cannula, employing an insufflationpart, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are notintended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figuresintended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to anyparticular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figuresnor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THEPRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosuremay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) setforth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) areprovided so that this application will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure tothose skilled in the relevant art(s) Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout the figures.

The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) describedherein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structureof the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serveas a complete description of all of the elements and features of thestructures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosuresuch that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be madewithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representationalare to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending tovoluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to anyparticular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept.Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequentarrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure isintended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations ofother embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and otherembodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent tothose of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.

References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “anembodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternativeembodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of thenon-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase“non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the sameembodiment(s).

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left,right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front andlateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specificorientation of an applicable element or article, and are usedaccordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) andare not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the contextof a numerical value or range set forth means±15% of the numerical.

As used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that whichis specified but so close that the difference is insignificant

As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to a location that, duringnormal use, is closer to the operator or clinician using the device andfarther from the patient in connection with whom the device is used.Conversely, the term “distal” refers to a location that, during normaluse, is farther from the clinician using the device and closer to thepatient in connection with whom the device is used.

As used herein, the term “small cannula” refers to a cannula having adiameter less than about five millimeters, a preferably about 3millimeters.

As used herein, the term “medical instrument” refers to non-limitingexemplary embodiments of a low profile, small cannula system.

The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally inFIGS. 1-20 and is/are intended to provide a low profile, small cannulasystem 10 employing fewer components, an ergonomic locking mechanism 60,cannula retention features 55, and a low profile multi-grip handle 11for reducing manufacturing costs, minimizing undesirable movement duringsurgery, and facilitating desired manipulation of the cannula system 10.As noted hereinabove, such a low profile, small cannula system 10 isreferred to as a “medical instrument” throughout the present disclosure.

The medical instrument 10 includes a handle 11, a trocar 13 in staticcommunication with the handle 11, and a cannula 12 in dynamiccommunication with the trocar 13 and the handle 11. Notably, the cannula12 is engaged with the handle 11 when linearly displaced proximallytowards the handle 11 and, conversely, the cannula 12 is disengaged fromthe handle 11 when linearly displaced distally away from the handle 11.Advantageously, the cannula 12 is at a locked position 30 when linearlyengaged with the handle 11 and the cannula 12 is at an unlocked position31 when linearly disengaged from the handle 11. In this manner, thecannula 12 is linearly reciprocated, between the locked position 30 andthe unlocked position 31, along a linear travel path 14 defined parallelto a longitudinal axis 15 of the trocar 13 such that the cannula 12 isprohibited and permitted to articulate (rotate) and translate (linearlytravel) about the longitudinal axis 15 of the trocar 13, and relative tothe handle 11, respectively.

Advantageously, the cannula 12 is locked and unlocked from the trocar 13without requiring an external force to be exerted generally transverseto trocar 13 and/or cannula 12—thereby permitting a user to lock/unlockthe cannula 12, relative to the trocar 13, with one hand.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the handle 11 includes a distalend 20 including a first locking flange 16 having a first male member 17extending towards the linear travel path 14, and a second locking flange18 having a second male member 19 spaced from the first male member 17and extending towards the linear travel path 14. Notably, the cannula 12is engaged and disengaged from each of the first male member 17 and thesecond male member 19 as the cannula 12 is linearly reciprocated(translated) along the linear travel path 14 towards and away from thedistal end 20 of the handle 11, respectively. Again, no second externalforce (e.g., direct user force) generally transverse to the trocar 13and/or cannula 12 (e.g., at first locking flange 16 and the secondlocking flange 18) is needed to lock/unlock the cannula 12.Advantageously, the user can perform such locking/unlocking functionswith merely one hand.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the cannula 12 is caused tosimultaneously engage and disengage each of the first male member 17 andthe second male member 19 when the cannula 12 is linearly displacedbetween the locked position 30 and the unlocked position 31 30,respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the cannula 12 includes aproximal end 21 including a perimeter outer wall 22 having a firstfemale member 23 and a second female member 24 spaced therefrom. Such afirst female member 23 and second female member 24 are aligned with thefirst male member 17 and the second male member 19, respectively, whenthe proximal end 21 of the cannula 12 is linearly introduced, along thelongitudinal axis 15, into the distal end 20 of the handle 11. In thismanner, the first male member 17 and the second male member 19 areoperably received and retained within the first female member 23 and thesecond female member 24, respectively, as the proximal end 21 of thecannula 12 is linearly intercalated between the first locking flange 16and the second locking flange 18. A suitable initial force of frictionenables the cannula 12 to remain engaged with the trocar 11, when at thelocked position 30.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 3 , the cannula 12 includes an end cap 90connected to a proximal end 21 of the cannula shaft 91. A first seal 92is abutted against an inner face of end cap 90. A second (backup) seal93 is intercalated between the first seal 92 and the proximal end 21 ofcannula shaft 91. Such a configuration requires minimal components andprovides a secure mechanism for maintaining a peripheral medicalimplement at a substantially stable position relative to the cannulashaft 91 during surgical procedures.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, each of the first locking flange16 and the second locking flange 18 is caused to resiliently articulatealong mutually exclusive arcuate paths 25, 26, respectively, away fromand towards the linear travel path 14 as the cannula 12 is linearlyreciprocated (translated) between the locked position 30 and theunlocked position 31 30, respectively. Such a structural configurationenables a practitioner to engage (lock) and disengage (unlock), withonly one hand, the cannula 12 from the handle 11. Notably, thepractitioner is not required to apply any external force against lockingflanges 16, 18 when locking/unlocking the cannula 12 from handle 11.Rather, the practitioner need only apply a linear force alonglongitudinal axis 15 or travel path 14, for example. Such a singleexternal force overcomes the initial force of friction for disengagingthe handle 11 from cannula 12. This frees-up the practitioner's secondhand during such locking/unlocking procedures.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the handle 11 further includesan inner wall 33 extending from the first male member 17 to the secondmale member 19, and at least one rib 34 intermediately disposed betweenthe first male member 17 and the second male member 19. The at least onerib 34 is located on the handle inner wall 33 as best shown in FIG. 8A.Notably, the cannula 12 further includes at least one mating slot 35selectively engaged and disengaged with the at least one rib 34 when thecannula 12 is linearly reciprocated, along the linear travel path 14,between the locked position 30 and the unlocked position 31. Such astructural configuration prohibits the handle 11 and trocar 13 fromundesirably rotating relative to cannula 11, during use.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one rib 34 islinearly inserted and retracted from the at least one mating slot 35 sothat the cannula 12 is prohibited and permitted to rotating about thelongitudinal axis 15 of the trocar 13, and relative to the handle 11,when the cannula 12 is registered at the locked position 30 and theunlocked position 31 30, respectively. Advantageously, first lockingflange 16 and the second locking flange 18 cooperate with the at leastone rib 34 and the at least one mating slot 35, thereby serving tofacilitate translation locking and rotation locking between the trocar13 and cannula 12. The first locking flange 16 and the second lockingflange 18 also provide grip support for the various grip positions,shown in FIGS. 9-12 . Such a structural configuration enables apractitioner to engage (lock) and disengage (unlock), with only onehand, the cannula 12 from the handle 11. Notably, the practitioner isnot required to apply any external force against locking flanges 16, 18when locking/unlocking the cannula 12 from handle 11. This frees-up thepractitioner's second hand during such locking/unlocking procedures.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 21 of thecannula 12 has a proximal wall 32 linearly engaged and disengaged fromthe inner wall 33 of the handle 11 when cannula 12 is linearlyreciprocated, along the longitudinal axis 15, between the lockedposition and the unlocked position 30, 31, respectively.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as perhaps best shown in FIGS.5-8A, the at least one of the first male member 17 and the second malemember 19 includes a first engaging edge 50 and a first disengaging edge51. Furthermore, at least one of the first female member 23 and thesecond female member 24 includes a second engaging edge 52 and a seconddisengaging edge 53. In this manner, when the at least one of the firstmale member 17 and the second male member 19 are seated within acorresponding one of the first female member 23 and the second femalemember 24, the first disengaging edge 51 lays substantially parallel tothe second disengaging edge 53 and thereby maintains frictional contacttherewith while the first engaging edge 50 lays non-parallel to thesecond engaging edge 52. Such a structural configuration enables apractitioner to engage (lock) and disengage (unlock), with only onehand, the cannula 12 from the handle 11. Notably, the practitioner isnot required to apply any external force against locking flanges 16, 18when locking/unlocking the cannula 12 from handle 11. This frees-up thepractitioner's second hand during such locking/unlocking procedures.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the cannula 12 can also includethe atraumatic retention features 55 disposed along the cannula 12 shaftfor abdominal wall retention. Such retention features 55 may includespherical protrusions extending outwardly and about an outer wall of thecannula 12. The retention features 55 are preferably spaced along alongitudinal length of the cannula and are of suitable size and shape toprovide friction surface contact with the abdominal wall opening at theincision site.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12 , the handle 11 may be grasped via a variety ofgrips such as a vertical pinch grip 70, horizontal pinch grip 71,syringe grip 72, and palm grip 73. The low profile structure of handle11 enables a practitioner to maneuver his/her grip during use of thesystem 10. Such maneuvering relieves stress and fatigue on thepractitioner's metacarpals and allows for a variety of movements such aslinear, arcuate, etc., during extended procedures and withinspace-limited working conditions.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15 , it can be seen that a cluster of low profilecannula systems 10 are positioned near each other, thereby enabling thepractitioner to simultaneously employ a variety of medical implements(e.g., insufflation implement, cutting implements, endoscopic implement,etc.) at or near the same incision site.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19 , a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 110 ofthe present disclosure is illustrated wherein the handle 111 includes aninsufflation port 57 for introducing gas along the linear travel path14, guided along cannula 12. The handle 111 includes an axial bore 59aligned with a longitudinal axis of the trocar 113. A proximal end ofthe handle 111 is provided with a luer lock 58 for receiving andsecurely locking a peripheral device (e.g., gas-supplying source). Apassageway 61 is formed transverse to the axial bore 59 for receiving ared slide valve 62 and a green slide valve 63 therethrough. The redslide valve 62 is engaged with the green slide valve 63 such that whenthe red slide valve 62 is pressed inwardly towards the axial bore 59, itpushes the green slide valve 63 outwardly away from the axial bore 59.This prohibits the peripheral device (e.g., gas-supplying source) fromsending gas to the patient's incision site (e.g., stop gas flow).Conversely, pressing the green slide valve 63 inwardly towards the axialbore 59 causes the red slide valve 62 to egress outwardly way the axialbore 59. Such a configuration permits the peripheral device (e.g.,gas-supplying source) to send gas to the patient's incision site (e.g.,gas can flow).

A spring 65 and spring indicator 66 are seated within the axial bore 59and intermediately confined between the insufflation lock 58 and anoutlet port 67 located at a distal end of the handle 111. A proximal end85 of a blunt stylus 68 is positioned through the outlet port 67 andmates with the spring indicator 66. A needle portion 69 of the trocar113 receives the blunt stylus 68 therethrough such that the blunt stylus68 is coaxially aligned within a hollow interior of the needle portion69. In this manner, a distal tip 81 of the blunt stylus 68 sits exteriorof the needle portion 69. Pressing trocar 113 against a patient's skincauses the blunt stylus 68 to distally retract within the needle portion69 and thereby expose a sharp distal tip 82 of the needle portion 69that penetrates through the patient's skin. Thus, the spring 65 is at acompressed and tensioned state. The spring 65 automatically returns toan uncompressed and non-tensioned state after the needle portion 69penetrates the patient's skin, and thereby exposes the distal tip 81 ofthe blunt stylus 68 beyond the distal tip 82 of the needle portion 69.

With reference to FIG. 20 , in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment,cannula 112 is provided with an insufflation port 157 and lock 158 forreceiving and securely locking a peripheral device (e.g., gas supplyingsource), which may be used to introduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen orother suitable gases to a patient target zone (e.g., surgical site,etc.). Such a cannula 112 may be employed with alternate embodiments ofthe handle 11 and 111, as desired.

The present disclosure further includes a method for utilizing a medicalinstrument 10 during a medical procedure. Such a method includes thesteps of: providing a handle 11; providing a trocar 13 in staticcommunication with the handle 11; providing and dynamicallycommunicating a cannula 12 with the trocar 13 and the handle 11;linearly engaging the cannula 12, at a locked position 30, with thehandle 11 by linearly displacing the cannula 12 proximally towards thehandle 11; linearly disengaging the cannula 12, to an unlocked position31, from the handle 11 by linearly displacing the cannula 12 distallyaway from the handle 11; and prohibiting and permitting the cannula 12to articulate about the longitudinal axis 15 of the trocar 13, andrelative to the handle 11, respectively, by linearly reciprocating thecannula 12, between the locked position 30 and the unlocked position 31,along a linear travel path 14 defined parallel to a longitudinal axis 15of the trocar 13.

While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described withrespect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated thatmany modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill inthe relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appendedclaims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, withrespect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimumdimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplaryembodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be usedto interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,in the above Detailed Description, various features may have beengrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limitingexemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporatedinto the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own asdefining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to themaximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is tobe determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of thefollowing claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted orlimited by the above detailed description.

1. A medical instrument for use during a medical procedure, said medicalinstrument comprising: a handle; a trocar in communication with saidhandle; and a cannula in selective communication with said trocar andsaid handle, said cannula being engaged with said handle when linearlydisplaced proximally towards said handle, said cannula being disengagedfrom said handle when linearly displaced distally away from said handle;wherein said cannula is at a locked position when linearly engaged withsaid handle and said cannula is at an unlocked position when linearlydisengaged from said handle; said cannula being linearly reciprocated bya single user hand, between said locked position and said unlockedposition, without exerting an external force generally transverse tosaid trocar and said cannula, along a linear travel path definedparallel to a longitudinal axis of said trocar such that said cannula isprohibited and permitted to articulate about said longitudinal axis ofsaid trocar, and relative to said handle, respectively.